Banned Books Week emphasizes ‘freedom to read’

I shudder to think of how horrible it would be if someone else decided for us the books we could and couldn’t have access to.

That’s the topic libraries and bookstores around the country will discuss next week during “Banned Books Week.” The focus of the week is to celebrate the freedom to read and highlight the importance of free and open access to information.

Shreve Memorial Library’s Teen Services will mark the occasion from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 with a discussion of books that have been banned — including the 10 most challenged books of 2016. Scheduled speakers include Clay Walker, Crystalin Whitaker, Eileen Velez and Curtis Davis.

As a reader, writer and former journalist, I have seen firsthand how greatly we can disagree on books—but I appreciate that differing opinions are allowed. One of the frightening things about banning a book is that a work I may find horrid may be your favorite—and, likewise, a book you may want banned could be one that I think needs reading.

The freedom to read…thankful.

Local authors to sign books at Delight Music Fest

Want to take an early-fall jaunt for small-town book and music fun?

Mary Lou Cheatham of Shreveport and Robin House of Haughton will be among regional authors signing books at the Delight Music Fest Super Signing on September 30 in Delight, Ark., hometown of the late Glen Campbell. (Delight is about two hours north of Shreveport-Bossier.)

The book signing, sponsored by the Delight branch library, will start after the Glen Campbell 5K Ramble, and bands will play all afternoon and into the evening, with Campbell’s family band playing last. There will be food, crafts and games for children.

Mary Lou Cheatham novel series continues

Cheatham has recently released “House of Seven,” the sixth novel in her Covington Chronicles series. It is a humorous romantic novel about life in the early twentieth century and, although part of a series, stands alone with an independent plot.

Her novels are available in paperback, Kindle and as audio books on Amazon.

“House of Seven” by Mary Lou Cheatham(Photo: Courtesy photo)

Robin House debuts with religious book

House will be signing “God from A to Z: Describing and Defining the God of the Bible,” an interactive approach to the characteristics and nature of God written for all age groups.

“God from A to Z” by Robin House(Photo: Courtesy photo)

To see a short video trailer of the book: GodfromAtoZ.com. Music to accompany the book is performed by Jennifer McMullen of Shreveport. To contact House by email:GodfromAtoZ@gmail.com.

Many people ask me for tips on writing and publishing their books, and my how-to list always includes finding nearby workshops that aren’t too pricey.

Today I have great news for those of you writing or thinking about writing: The Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana has come up with an all-star lineup of speakers and topics for “WordShops” on October 27 at the State Library in Baton Rouge.

Authors will lead 3-hour courses, designed for those writing fiction, memoir, personal essay, poetry or works for young people. The sessions cover craft elements such as voice, setting, building tension and creating cross-genre work. One, led by Ark-La-Tex reader favorite Kathy L. Murphy of Pulpwood Queen Book Club fame, focuses on marketing and book promotion.

The cost is a reasonable $45 for one session or $85 for two. For a complete schedule, course descriptions and information on registration, see louisianabookfestival.org/wordshops.html.

About The Louisiana Center for the Book

The Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana coordinates the annual Louisiana Book Festival, which will be October 28, and other programs and events supportive of reading, literacy, books and writers, particularly Louisiana authors and poets.

Judy Christie is the author of 17 books, including 10 novels. Her most recent book is “Wreath, In College,” the third in the Wreath Willis series, which she’ll discuss at this year’s Louisiana Book Festival. For more info, seewww.judychristie.com.